Rumination and unhelpful coping strategies. TW: Addictive tendencies

hey @creative_writer i'm sorry to hear about those scattered thoughts. what's something that can help ground you right now - would you like to try a grounding exercise to help distract those thoughts? (i.e. naming things in your room start from A-Z) or perhaps would prayer or music be helpful?

i can hear how uncomfortable this all is, please know you're not alone 💜

@rav3n I’m going to try some prayers, though I’m not sure how good my attention span is right now, but all we can do is try.

Do you think the flashbacks ever go away? Or is it more about learning to manage and live with them?

i hope the prayer helps @creative_writer trying itself counts for a lot.

interesting question. i've heard that flashbacks are sign of our brain trying to heal, and it's usually the unprocessed parts popping out - not sure how accurate that piece of info is, i don't know if there's evidence to back it. i don't know if they'll 100% go away, but i believe they can be minimised and become more manageable. what are your thoughts around it?

(i might have to head off soon so please do reach out to AuntGlow if you need support tonight 💜)

@rav3n I don’t know what the future holds, I’ve been struggling with constant flashbacks for some time. I wish I could distract myself 24/7 but i can’t. I wish I could leave the past in the past and focus on the future

Good evening @creative_writer,

Gosh, this really is so, so tough. I can't imagine how overwhelming the constant flashbacks must be for you...

I wonder if spirituality could be brought in as a way to support yourself through these moments? What are your thoughts?

Oh yes, I remember you telling me this! Lifeline will be such a journey for you. Going slowly is very important, absolutely. Self-care will be your friend and it's important that you're able to listen to your body and what it needs.

Personally, I have noticed that being in a supportive role has allowed me to be more supportive towards myself. You start to internalise the messages you share with others... this could be really healing for you too? 🥰

What is one thing you could do to comfort and validate your inner child today?

That's so easy to do, isn't it? I am glad your phone was close by!

Talk soon. ✨

hugs to you @creative_writer 💖

i hear how hard its been, and still is with those flashbacks being so constant. does your psych know that these flashbacks are around so often? has she provided any tools/strategies?

i can hear how impossible it might feel right now, but i also assure you, recovery is real and possible. things can get better, wish i could give you a timeline to make it easier. we're here for you 💗

@AuntGlow connecting to my faith does help me when things feel overwhelming. I also believe I get a lot out of helping others. I do think over time you do tend to internalise the messages you give others. I also have done psycho education with clients on placement, so I am familiar with some of the content provided to others.

I think I need to sit with the vulnerable child validate the emotions coming up for me right now. The constant flashbacks are very exhausting.

@rav3n I’ve spoken to my psych about the flashbacks, I think she gets a sense that I try to avoid them when it’s happening for me by trying to distract myself. She does want me to become more comfortable with sitting with them. It’s just very hard.

@AuntGlow @rav3n I feel like I have a block around me, I feel like I’m supposed to be doing something but I’m too exhausted

I am happy to know faith helps you. Do you have a mantra or prayer you like to say that helps? I would love to hear it. @creative_writer

Yes, I think that is a lovely idea. I was just sharing Tara Brach's RAIN technique with someone else. It could help you here too:

Recognize what is happening;
Allow the experience to be there, just as it is;
Investigate with interest and care;
Nurture with self-compassion.

It's okay if you're feeling exhausted and need to surrender to doing less. It takes everything out of us to navigate survival mode; it truly is tiring. You're allowed to rest. Maybe things will shift and unblock when you do? 💛

@AuntGlow yes, I have prayers. I grew up in a Muslim household, being spiritual has helped my mental health.

Thank you for sharing the RAIN technique. Maybe I am trying to hard to do something, maybe I still need some rest, viral infections take their time. I sort of get overwhelmed with how much I want to do and it causes anxiety, maybe I need to take it slow

I glad it has been helpful for you. Religion can be so grounding. ☺️💛 @creative_writer

I get that. Viral infections really do take time and resting is imperative. I encourage you to focus on what could be nourishing moment to moment tonight.